Herndon, Va update

I was in Herndon last week and went to a Pho place I like, Pho 75 in the K-mart (AKA Central) shopping center on Elden. I noticed two things, actually 2 missing things.
 
Hard times Chili is gone, guess it really got to be Hard Times.
 
Also the tamale place right around the corner is gone. I can't remember it's name though. CRS disease.
 
I did notice an Indo/Pak spice place though. May have to go in and look around next trip.

Teocali Tamale

 
We live in Herndon.   We didn't know Teocali Tamale was gone.   We  went there a few times over the years, and thought it was okay, but not great....so hadn't been back for a while. 
 
We wish we had more RoadFood places in northern VA. 
The closest RoadFood that we personally rate highly is Dixie Bones BBQ, about 45 minutes away in Woodbridge, VA.  
Hard Times was pretty good.  Hated to see them leave town.    
 
Glenn and Janet
 
 

Teocali Tamale went downhill after a change in ownership, then went out of business.
 
Two excellent choices I can think of now in Herndon:
 
The Tortilla Factory.  An institution for 30 years that was an outpost of New Mexico cuisine when no one had ever heard of this type of food.  Always outstanding, and I've been going for 20 plus years.  I particularly love their catfish tacos.
 
The Deli. Very non-descript place, but does a great lunch for their large and very tasty subs.
 
BTW, before you travel 45 minutes to Woodbridge for good BBQ, I suggest give Bubba's in Falls Church a try--a recent find, big win for 'Q fans.
 

 
Chili Dog1 - 
 
We do like Tortilla Factory.  We don't put it near our top choices, but we give it a solid 7 out of 10  (5 being average).   
Regarding "The Deli", we don't like it much at all.  This is more of a personal taste thing.  All they had was cold sandwiches (no hot sandwiches), and we like hot sandwiches.   It's possible that we're referring to two different places, but this one is toward the back of the shopping center with the K-Mart. 
 
Thanks for the info on Bubba's.  We'll give it a try.   We'll still drive 45 minutes to Dixie Bones, as it is so good.   But, if Bubba's is good, too, it will be nice to have another good place closer to home.  
 
Thanks!
 
Glenn and Janet
 

For an excellent breakfast, I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the Amphora Diner in Herndon.  This is a big spacious place with a huge menu, almost as extensive as a good Jersey diner.  Its the preferred place for business breakfasts in Herndon, as the booths are roomy enough for privacy.  The other Amphora (not sure if they are related) in Vienna has been around since the beginning of time and has a similar big menu and classic fare.  Its open 24 hours if I'm not mistaken.

If for any reason you find yourself road-tripping out towards the Shenandoah, an old Loudoun County native told me about the best BBQ he'd ever had in Virginia..Mr. B's, west of Berryville.  He was right...not easy to find but a brilliant choice if you're off for a hike in the GW National Forest.

 
Chili Dog1 -
My wife and I must just be having bad luck at our local joints.  We are very familair with the Amphora Diner in Herndon, and have yet to have a really good meal there.    We have tried it 4 or 5 times.   Breakfast was the best, and we give it a 5 out of 10.  Dinners there get a 2 or 3 out 10.    The Amphora in Vienna seems much better, ....a solid 7 out of 10 there on average.
 
We have not been to Mr.B's.   We'll give it a try.  I'm not sure what you mean about the GW forest hike, as it relates to Mr. B's?   Berryville is the county seat of Clarke County, and the GW Nat. forest is quite some distance to the southwest.   Did you maybe mean "Sperryville" instead of "Beryville"?  Sperryville is in Rappahannock county and much closer to GW Nat Forest and Shenandoah Nat Park. 
 
Thanks.
 
Glenn
 

We live in Annandale and don't visit Herndon much, but do go to Tortilla Factory when we have a doctors' appt in Reston.  It's always good, but we now prefer Guapos at Fairlakes and Shirlington (where they have a lunch buffet). Uncle Julio's is pretty good too.  Anita's used to be my fave New Mexico style, but is now too expensive and inconsistent.
 
Hard Times is of course also in Springfield and Old Town, Alex. and elsewhere.  We still go, but prefer to buy their mixes and make our own using a higher quality meat and drain the grease v. using it as they do.
 
We also go to Dixie Bones from time to time, but prefer Red, Hot & Blue (Memphis-style).  Haven't tried Bubba's but sure will now.  BBQ is such a personal preference thing it's hard to pick for someone else even within the same family.  My mother was from Roanoke Rapids, NC, so my all-time favorite is still Ralph's -- nearly worth the 3 hour drive. 

The only place I've ever been in Heardon is Jimmy's Old Town Tavern. My DH and our friend really love it. It has sentimental memories because it was the last meal we shared with one friend who died. Recently we were there and walked into a wedding reception and a hen party (different groups of course). Rockin'!